Smoky Eggplant Dip (Eggplant Moutabal)
A creamy, smoky Middle Eastern dip made with charred eggplants, tahini, and lemon juice, garnished with pomegranate and black sesame seeds. This traditional moutabal features rich, complex flavors from the grilled eggplant combined with nutty tahini.
Ingredients
- •2 whole medium globe eggplants
- •⅓ cup tahini
- •¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- •3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- •1 to taste Kosher salt
- •2 Tbsp Pomegranate seeds and black sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
- 1.
Remove grate and prepare a charcoal grill for medium heat (coals should be covered with ash and glowing red with no black remaining). Place eggplants directly on coals and cook, turning occasionally, until skins are completely charred and flesh collapses, 15-20 minutes. (Alternatively, you can char over a gas burner on medium-high heat, turning occasionally with tongs, 12-15 minutes.) Transfer to a colander set over a medium bowl. Let cool 15 minutes.
35 min
- 2.
Remove skins from eggplants (it's okay if some bits of charred skin don't come off). Transfer flesh to a sieve set over a bowl and let drain 10 minutes.
10 min
- 3.
Transfer eggplant flesh to a food processor; add tahini, lemon juice, and 3 Tbsp. oil and process until creamy; season dip with salt.
5 min
- 4.
Transfer dip to a bowl and top with pomegranate seeds and black sesame seeds; drizzle with more oil.
2 min
- 5.
Dip can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.
